The term “Council of States” translates to “Rajya Sabha” in Hindi (राज्य सभा). Understanding the meaning of “Council of States meaning in Hindi” requires delving into the structure and significance of this upper house of the Indian Parliament. This article will explore the role, composition, and powers of the Rajya Sabha, providing a comprehensive understanding of its importance in Indian governance.
What is the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)?
The Rajya Sabha, literally meaning “Council of States,” is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It represents the states and union territories of India, reflecting the federal structure of the country. Unlike the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which is directly elected by the people, the Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. This unique composition ensures the representation of diverse regional interests in the national legislature.
Composition and Election of the Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 238 are elected representatives of the states and union territories, while 12 are nominated by the President of India. These nominated members are individuals with distinguished contributions to the fields of art, literature, science, and social services. The election of the Rajya Sabha members is based on proportional representation through the single transferable vote system.
Powers and Functions of the Council of States
While the Lok Sabha holds greater power in matters of money bills, the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in shaping legislation and policy. It can initiate and pass legislation on any subject except money bills. The Rajya Sabha also has significant powers in matters relating to the creation of new all-India services and amending the Constitution.
The Significance of Rajya Sabha in Indian Polity
The Rajya Sabha acts as a check and balance on the Lok Sabha, ensuring that legislation is thoroughly scrutinized and debated before becoming law. It provides a platform for representing regional interests and preventing hasty decisions by the directly elected lower house. The Council of States also plays a vital role in maintaining continuity in governance, as it is a permanent body, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha? The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people and primarily deals with money bills. The Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected by state legislatures and plays a more advisory role.
- How many members are there in the Rajya Sabha? The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members.
- Who nominates the 12 members of the Rajya Sabha? The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
- What is the term of a Rajya Sabha member? The term of a Rajya Sabha member is six years.
- What is the role of Rajya Sabha in amending the Constitution? The Rajya Sabha plays a significant role in the constitutional amendment process, requiring a special majority for amendments to be passed.
Related Articles
Meaning-Hindi.in is your premier destination for accurate and culturally sensitive Hindi translation services. We specialize in various translation domains, including business and commerce, legal documents, technical manuals, website localization, and educational materials. Our expert linguists ensure precise and nuanced translations that bridge the language gap effectively. Whether you need quick translation services or specialized industry expertise, Meaning-Hindi.in is equipped to handle your needs with professionalism and precision. Contact us today for all your Hindi translation requirements! Email: [email protected], Phone: +91 11-4502-7584.